Chicago Bulls Jerseys And Jordan Brand Tattoos Are Helping To Identify Gang Members

In a document from the United States Department of Homeland Security, they confirmed a connection to the Chicago Bulls and ongoing illegal activity. According to the document, the U.S. is using Bulls jerseys and Jordan brand tattoos to help identify members of the Tren de Aragua (Venezuelan gang).

“Neither the Chicago Bulls nor Nike have publicly commented on a document, released last week via court filing, that lists their uniforms and sneakers as a way to identify members of a Venezuelan gang targeted for deportations," wrote Sportico. "The Trump Administration has been using the Alien Enemies Act to deport or forcefully relocate dozens of people suspected of being part of Tren de Aragua gang—some of them active asylum seekers.”

Since the Trump administration took office earlier this year, it's been a top priority to deport any illegal aliens hiding out in the country. They've specifically been focused on deporting anyone involved in criminal activities, such as those on the Tren de Aragua gang.

Unlike other gangs, this Venezuelan group favors the Chicago Bulls, and specifically NBA superstar Michael Jordan. Members are frequently seen wearing 'Jump Man' sneakers and adding the Jordan brand logo to their skin in the form of a tattoo.

Nobody knows why they chose to identify under the 'Jump Man' logo, but not everyone agrees with how the U.S. has decided to track the Tren de Aragua gang. According to law professor Bill Hing from the University of San Francisco, the tactics are "outrageous."

“It’s very evident that just having a Michael Jordan tattoo does not necessarily mean that a person is a gang member,” said Hing, via NBC. "Jordan is popular around the world, and for many Venezuelans, he’s part of their fashion."

Bulls gear is one of the highest-selling in the league based on their history and worldwide recognition. After Michael Jordan led the franchise to prominence in the 90s, they've been in the spotlight ever since as one of the NBA's premier franchises.

Despite losing his father to a shooting in 1993, Michael has never been involved with any gangs, and he's always been a model example for athletes around the world. His iconic Jordan Brand is worn by millions of people every day, so to start identifying gang members based on tattoos of the 'Jump Man' logo may not be the best way to do it.

Neither the Bulls nor Nike has made a public statement on this development, but it's hard to find any fault on their end. They can't control who uses their products or what they are used for.

It's an unfortunate situation for Nike and Jordan Brand to have ties with a violent gang, but the Trump administration has shown that it will do whatever it takes to achieve its goals, and it seems that looking out for the iconic Jump Man logo could be the first step in bringing down the Tren de Aragua gang.